To Peel or not to Peel? (1996-97 Select Certified)

Ron Hextall
1996-97 Select Certified #63

1996-97 Select Certified
Total Cards: 120

One of the brands to be released with a clear layer of plastic covering the card front was Select Certified.

As far as I know, this fad was only around for a few years during the mid-late 1990s. Really not sure if many people adhered to the instructions to "Remove Protective Film".

Ruslan Salei RC
1996-97 Select Certified #109          

Never had any of these cards back in the day, but couldn't pass on the deal, especially since the "Remove Protective Film" was still intact.

Glad the original owner of the card resisted the temptation (and instructions) to remove the layer. It's now safely tucked into a toploader, where the protective film will never be removed.

Have since acquired several cards with film. Was that clear plastic honestly to protect the cards? Or was it just a clever marketing gimmick? Either way, it's a fun reminder of a simpler time.

Cool Cards: Ron Hextall

Ron Hextall
1994 EA Sports #114

In the right place at the right time to raid a Ron Hextall collection sale. Some nifty gems for 25 cents each...

A stray card from the mail in set available to supplement the NHL '94 video game. Real-life photo on the front, with in-game attributes on the back.

Had never actually seen one of these cards myself, but knew exactly what it was the moment I saw it.

As a fan of the NHL '94 game, I was pleasantly surprised.

Ron Hextall
1994-95 Pinnacle Masks #MA6

Hextall was only with the Isles for a season, but I was thrilled to find one of these elusive (and normally expensive) 1994-95 Pinnacle Masks for my collection.

Ron Hextall
1994-95 Upper Deck #170

Hex is back in Philadelphia. Fresh off his stint with the Islanders, he's still wearing the blue & orange pads.